Sigma 28-300

[NewbieD70]

Hi all,

just bought a new lens (second hand) Sigma 28 - 300 mm F 3.5 - 6.3 for a little over $200 on ebay.

While its no VR, I am hoping to have some fun with it.

Has anyone had any experience with this lens? If so, any suggestions to get the best out of it?

Looking forward to posting some pictures when I next get out and about.

Thanks

[Aussie Dave]

Hi Trevor
to get the best out of the lens, you will have to keep within the lens' limitations.

In good lighting conditions, you should be able to produce some great shots (with the right settings, of course), however in lesser light levels you will need to watch your shutter speeds very carefully.

You will want to match your shutter speed to at least the focal length you are using (ie. @300m you'll want a minimum of 1/300sec - preferably more if manageable). This is where it gets tricky. As the light levels drop, to maintain a high shutter speed the aperture will move quickly to the lens' largest aperture (f6.3 @300mm for this lens) & from there, the only thing you can do is either drop the shutter speed or bump up the ISO level. Problems with sharpness and blurry images will soon start to appear as the shuuter speed falls too low.

Obviously, this is where that f2.8 VR lens jumps in to save the day.

I'd advise that you get out there and shoot anything and everything, in ALL types of lighting situations, so you can determine for yourself what does and doesn't work. That way, when you are out shooting something you really want to take a photo of, you'll have a better idea on what settings to use.

Using these variable aperture lenses can be hard work, but are also a very valuable learning experience !

[krpolak]

NewbieD70

just bought a new lens (second hand) Sigma 28 - 300 mm F 3.5 - 6.3 for a little over $200 on ebay

Well, I had this lens for a momemt.

Cons:

1. Low quality image
2. Slow AF
3. Easy to break and difficult to service (CR Kennedy is hopeless)

Pros:

1. Range, maybe
2. No CA, it disappears in blurred image

Regards,

K.Polak

[NewbieD70]

Thanks guys, appreciate your thoughts. And many thanks for the suggestions Dave, always great to get some good direction.

Thanks